So, I get to request a new machine this summer. This is the first time I am at the front of the line (due to my employment status). As I have become more of a power user due to necessity of work, I am much more sensitive to the kind of machine I use.
BU will probably get a Latitude D83o 0r D630 according to my inside source. Looking over the sites, I noticed that there seem to be some concerns about the screen width on the 630. The 830 may not have an optical drive?
But there are other concerns.
- Is a tablet a good technology for me? I need to really use it before I can decide and that may be tricky. (Also, does BU min specs include smae level of graphics for a tablet?)
- Is a mac and then use parallel software (or whatever that is called) to run network analysis software. I think network stuff is the only PC specific software I need. Do any network researchers use macs? Can I ask socnet?
- Do I need extra video graphics for Second Life or future video editing (for students, for qualitative data). I think I will move more into students doing video or multimedia work.
- Do I need a second Monitor for my office to show things to students and/or for more screen real estate for writing or for larger network mapping.
- What is the best desk configuration for me? Does that include a docking station? Since I actually don’t type properly, I prefer to have screen and hands nearby so I can glance back and forth easier. Also, For a tall guy, I find I like to sit high up and right on top of my machine. Probably terrible, ergonometry. (word?)
- It looks like I can request software above and beyond standard package. Oh really… Should I ask for different network software so I can see what is best for me and for students? That might include NetMiner, UCINET/Pajek, and InFlow. What else is out there? Like this high end software: http://www.tomsawyer.com/home/index.php
orgtheory.net
